Australia's Victorian premier visits China to boost trade, improve relations

Australia's Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has started a seven-day tour to China to boost relations and trade with the Asian country.

Making his first international trip as premier since coming to power in November, 2014, Andrews said he chose China as it is Victoria's largest international trading partner, with trade between the two parties worth 14.7 billion U.S dollars in 2014/15.

The premier said in a statement that China is "most important" for the state's economy, noting the visit, made by a delegation of seven, would boost relations between the two parties.

Andrews and his party will visit Beijing, Nanjing and Chengdu as part of the week-long trip, in an attempt to lure further Chinese investment, trade and students to the region.

Andrews said maintaining and strengthening the relationship with China is paramount to the state's economy.

"We have a proud history of working together with China, which is why I have chosen China as my first official overseas visit as premier," Andrews said before leaving on Sunday.

"Successful engagement with the China market is critical to the Victorian economy it is our largest trading partner and is integral to our visitor economy with over 400,000 Chinese tourists visiting our state every year."

Andrews hoped it would be the first of many trips to the Asian country, pledging that he would be making an annual trip to keep up appearances and drive up two-way trade.

"Boosting investment and two-way trade with China means jobs and opportunities for all Victorians," he said.

"As premier I am committing to visiting China every year and will also ensure that my ministers are frequent visitors." Endi